In today’s digital world, cybersecurity isn’t just an IT problem—it’s a business necessity. And for dental and orthodontic practices, protecting patient data is just as critical as providing top-notch care. In a recent episode of the Hey Docs! Podcast, host Jill Allen sat down with Jordan Janz from Cornerstone Computer Solutions to break down the biggest cybersecurity risks facing practices today—and what you can do to stay protected.
Here’s what you need to know.
Many doctors assume that because they’re running a smaller practice, hackers won’t bother with them. Bad news: That’s exactly what makes them a target. Cybercriminals know that many small businesses don’t have robust security measures in place, making them low-hanging fruit for attacks like phishing and ransomware.
Phishing attacks are one of the biggest threats to your practice’s security. These scams come in emails, texts, or even phone calls designed to trick someone into handing over sensitive information. And the bad guys are getting smarter—spear phishing takes things up a notch by customizing attacks to specific people in your office.
That’s why team training is everything. One wrong click on a fake invoice or login request can open the floodgates to a data breach. Teaching your team to recognize red flags and verify requests before responding is one of the best ways to stop phishing attempts in their tracks.
Imagine logging into your system only to find your files locked down—held hostage by an attacker demanding thousands of dollars to release them. That’s ransomware, and it’s hitting businesses everywhere.
Jordan Janz warns that the best way to fight ransomware is not to get infected in the first place. Employee training, strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and endpoint security (think managed antivirus software and firewalls) are all critical. But if you do get hit, having a solid backup system can mean the difference between a major disruption and a total disaster.
As more practices move to cloud-based systems, the big question remains—what’s safer, cloud or on-premises? The truth is, both come with risks and responsibilities. Cloud-based systems shift some of the security burden to the provider, but your endpoints (computers, laptops, tablets) still need protection. No matter which setup you use, a multi-layered security approach is key.
Jill and Jordan outlined some key steps practice owners can take to tighten security:
✅ Train Your Team to "Think Before You Click" – A well-trained team is your first line of defense.
✅ Invest in Managed IT Services – A professional IT provider can help you monitor your network and close security gaps. Budget around $50 per month per computer for solid protection.
✅ Backup Everything, Frequently – A Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) solution that saves incremental backups every 15 minutes ensures you’re never at the mercy of hackers.
Even with the best defenses, no system is 100% foolproof. If your practice falls victim to a cyberattack:
🚨 Disconnect affected devices immediately.
🚨 Contact your IT provider ASAP.
🚨 Rely on your backups instead of paying ransoms. (Even if you pay, only about 67% of victims get their data back.)
Cybersecurity isn’t just for big corporations—it’s an essential part of running a modern dental or orthodontic practice. The threats are real, but with the right precautions, you can protect your business, your patients, and your peace of mind.
Want to hear the full conversation? Catch this episode of the Hey Docs! Podcast and learn how to make cybersecurity a priority in your practice today.